System, method and station for landing of a drone

ABSTRACT

In an aspect there are disclosed examples systems (10, 110) for the landing and handling of a drone (1), the system (10, 100) may include a moveable platform (16, 116) on which the drone (1) is supportable in a landed state; a space (14, 114) dimensioned to receive the platform (16, 116) and drone (1) in the landed state, a first closable barrier (17, 117) arranged between the drone (1) in the landed state and an external environment; a second closable barrier (18, 118) arranged between the drone (1) in the landed state and a passenger zone adjacent the space (22, 122); and a control arrangement (205) configured to selectively operate the platform (16, 116), the first closable barrier (17, 117) and the second closable barrier (18, 118) between: a first condition, in which the first closable barrier (17, 117) is in an open condition, the second closable barrier (18, 118) is in a closed condition and the drone (1) is landable on the platform (16, 116), and a second condition, in which the platform (16, 116) and drone (1) in the landed state are receivable by the space (22, 122), the first closable barrier (17, 117) is movable to a closed condition, and the second closable barrier (18, 118) is moveable to an open condition.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from Australian provisional patentapplication no. 2017904114 filed on 12 Oct. 2017, the contents of whichare incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a system, method and station for the landingand handling of a drone such as a passenger drone or the like. Theinvention also relates to a portable landing station or building for thelanding and handling of a drone.

BACKGROUND

Autonomous and semi-autonomous aerial vehicles, commonly known asdrones, may be used to carry passengers and freight. Such drones arecurrently being trialled for personal and freight transport inmetropolitan or urban areas. Such passenger and freight drones typicallyhave a passenger or freight pod and multiple propellers each carried byrespective arms that extend outwardly of the pod.

The use of such drones in metropolitan or urban areas presentschallenges such as providing designated areas for the take-off, landing,handling of the drones and passenger and/or freight logistics. Forexample, during take-off and landing the propellers present asignificant hazard.

The invention disclosed herein seeks to overcome one or more of theabove-identified problems or at least provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a first broad aspect there is provided, a system forlanding a drone, the system including: a moveable platform on which thedrone is supportable in a landed state; a space dimensioned to receivethe platform and drone in the landed state, a first closable barrierarranged between the drone in the landed state and an externalenvironment; a second closable barrier arranged between the drone in thelanded state and a passenger zone adjacent the space; and a controlarrangement configured to selectively operate the platform, the firstclosable barrier and the second closable barrier between: a firstcondition, in which the first closable barrier is in an open condition,the second closable barrier is in a closed condition and the drone islandable on the platform, and a second condition, in which the platformand drone in the landed state are receivable by the space, the firstclosable barrier is movable to a closed condition, and the secondclosable barrier is moveable to an open condition.

In an aspect, the control arrangement is adapted to determine anoperating state of the drone in the second condition being in one of asafe and a non-safe state, and inhibit operation of the second closablebarrier in the non-safe state.

In another aspect, the control arrangement is adapted to determine anoperating state of the drone in the first condition being in one of asafe and a non-safe state, and inhibit movement of the platform towithin the space in a non-safe state.

In yet another aspect, the control arrangement includes at least one ofa sensor and a communication link with the drone to determine theoperating state of the drone

In yet another aspect, the platform includes at least one sensor adaptedto provide information to enable the control arrangement to determinethe operating state of the drone.

In yet another aspect, the safe state includes at least one of the dronebody and rotors of the drone ceasing movement.

In yet another aspect, the control arrangement is adapted identify anapproaching drone, and move the platform, the first closable barrier andthe second closable barrier to the first condition.

In yet another aspect, in the second condition, the control arrangementis configured to move the first closable barrier to the closedcondition.

In yet another aspect, the system includes: a first opening between theexternal environment and the space, and wherein the first closablebarrier is located at the first opening; and a second opening betweenthe space and the passenger zone, and wherein the second closablebarrier is located at the second opening.

In yet another aspect, the first and second closable barriers arearranged to substantially cover the respective first and second openingsof the space in respective closed conditions.

In yet another aspect, the control arrangement includes actuatorscoupled to each of the first and second closable barriers.

In yet another aspect, the system includes pluralities of spaces, firstand second closable barriers and platforms, and wherein the controlarrangement is configured to coordinate the movement of the pluralitiesof the first and second closable barriers and the platforms so as toallow operation of pluralities of drones to each of the pluralities ofthe spaces.

In yet another aspect, the platform is adapted to carry the drone intothe space when being moved between the first condition and the secondcondition.

In yet another aspect, the platform is adapted to convey the drone intothe space when being moved between the first condition and the secondcondition.

In yet another aspect, the platform is adapted to extend and retractrelative to the space when being moved between the first condition andthe second condition.

In yet another aspect, the platform is adapted to move upwardly anddownwardly relative to the space when being moved between the firstcondition and the second condition.

In yet another aspect, the passenger zone is at least partiallyenclosed.

In yet another aspect, the platform at least one of carries and providesthe first closable barrier.

In yet another aspect, the drone is a passenger or freight drone.

In accordance with second first broad aspect there is provided, astructure including a system as defined above and herein.

In accordance with a third broad aspect there is provided, a buildingincluding a system as defined above and herein.

In accordance with a fourth broad aspect there is provided, a portablelanding station for a drone fitted with a system as defined above andherein.

In accordance with a fifth broad aspect there is provided, a landingstation for a drone, the station including: a space dimensioned toreceive the drone; a landing platform movably receivable by the space onwhich the drone is supportable; a first closable barrier between anexternal environment and the space; a second closable barrier betweenthe space and a passenger zone adjacent the space; and a control systemconfigured to selectively operate the platform, the first closablebarrier and the second closable barrier between a first condition, inwhich the first closable barrier is in an open condition, the secondclosable barrier is in a closed condition and the drone is landable onthe platform, and a second condition, in which the platform and thelanded drone a receivable by the space, the first closable barrier ismovable to a closed condition, and the second closable barrier ismoveable to an open condition.

In an aspect, the space is located below the platform in the firstcondition and the platform is lowerable into the space in the secondcondition.

In another aspect, the space is located horizontally adjacent theplatform in the first condition and the platform is horizontallymoveable into the space in the second condition.

In yet another aspect, the control arrangement is adapted to determinean operating state of the drone in the second condition being in one ofa safe and a non-safe state, and inhibit operation of the secondclosable barrier in the non-safe state.

In yet another aspect, the control arrangement is adapted to determinean operating state of the drone in the first condition being in one of asafe and a non-safe state, and inhibit movement of the platform towithin the space in a non-safe state.

In yet another aspect, the control arrangement includes at least one ofa sensor and a communication link with the drone to determine theoperating state of drone.

In yet another aspect, the platform includes at least one sensor adaptedto provide information to enable the control arrangement to determinethe operating state of the drone.

In accordance with a sixth broad aspect there is provided, a buildingincluding a plurality of landing zones for a drone, each of the landingzones including: a space dimensioned to receive the drone; an associatedlanding platform movably receivable by the space on which the drone issupportable; an associated first closable barrier into the spacedimensioned to receive the drone and platform; an associated secondclosable barrier into the space dimensioned to allow the movement of aperson between the drone and a passenger zone external to the space; anda control system configured to selectively operate and coordinate theplatform, first closable barrier and second closable barrier associatedwith each of the landing zones between a first condition, in which thefirst closable barrier is in an open condition, the second closablebarrier is in a closed condition and the drone is landable on theplatform, and a second condition, in which the platform and landed dronea receivable by the space, the first closable barrier is movable to aclosed condition, and the second closable barrier is moveable to an opencondition.

In accordance with a seventh broad aspect there is provided, a methodfor the landing and handling of a drone, the method including: in afirst condition, operating a first closable barrier to an open conditionto allow receiving of the drone within a space, operating a secondclosable barrier to a closed condition to inhibit a person moving intothe space, and operating a platform of the drone handling system to bepositioned to support the landing drone, and in a second condition,operating the platform to move the landed drone within the space,operating the first closable barrier to a closed condition, andoperating the second closable barrier to an open condition.

In an aspect, the control arrangement is adapted to determine anoperating state of the drone in the second condition being in one of asafe and a non-safe state, and inhibit operation of the second closablebarrier in the non-safe state.

In another aspect, the control arrangement is adapted to determine anoperating state of the drone in the first condition being in one of asafe and a non-safe state, and inhibit movement of the platform towithin the space in a non-safe state.

In yet another aspect, the control arrangement includes at least one ofa sensor and a communication link with the drone to determine theoperating state of the drone.

In accordance with a seventh broad aspect there is provided, a systemfor landing a drone, the system including: a motive structure on whichthe drone is supportable in a landed state; a space dimensioned toreceive the drone in the landed state, a first closable barrier arrangedbetween the drone in the landed state and an external environment; asecond closable barrier arranged between the drone in the landed stateand a passenger zone; and a control arrangement configured toselectively operate the motive structure, the first closable barrier andthe second closable barrier between a first condition, in which thefirst closable barrier is in an open condition, the second closablebarrier is in a closed condition and the drone is landable on the motivestructure, and a second condition, in which the motive structure movesthe drone in the landed state so as to be receivable by the space, thefirst closable barrier is movable to a closed condition, and the secondclosable barrier is moveable to an open condition.

In accordance with a eighth broad aspect there is provided, a system forlanding a drone, the system including: a moveable landing platform; aspace dimensioned to receive the drone and platform, a first closablebarrier arranged to be selectively moveable between a first open and afirst closed condition to inhibit the drone entering the space; a secondclosable barrier arranged to be selectively movable between a secondopen and a second closed condition to inhibit a person entering thespace; and a control arrangement configured to selectively operate theplatform, the first closable barrier and the second closable barrierbetween a first state, in which the first closable barrier is in thefirst open condition, the second closable barrier is in the secondclosed condition and the drone is landable on the platform, and a secondstate, in which the platform and landed drone a receivable by the space,the first closable barrier is movable to the first closed condition, andthe second closable barrier is moveable to the second open condition.

In an aspect, at least one of the first and second closable barriers areat least one of coupled to and provided by the platform.

In accordance with a ninth broad aspect there is provided, a system forlanding a drone, the system including: a moveable landing platform; aspace arranged to selectively receive the drone, the platform and aperson; and a control arrangement configured to selectively configurethe space between a first condition, in which the drone and platform arereceivable by the space and the person is inhibited from entering thespace, and a second condition in which the person is able to enter thespace to access the drone.

In accordance with a tenth broad aspect there is provided, a system forlanding a drone, the system including: a motive structure adapted tosupport the drone in a landed state; a space arranged to selectivelyreceive the drone in the landed state; and a control arrangementconfigured to selectively configure the space between a first condition,in which the motive structure moves the drone so as to be receivable bythe space and a person is inhibited from entering the space, and asecond condition in which the person is able to enter the space toaccess the drone.

In accordance with an eleventh broad aspect there is provided, a systemfor landing a drone, the system including: a moveable landing platform;a space dimensioned to receive the drone and platform, a first openingto the space dimensioned to receive the drone and landing platform; asecond opening to the space dimensioned to allow the movement of aperson between the drone and an environment external to the space; afirst closable barrier arranged to at least partially cover the firstopening; a second closable barrier arranged to at least partially coverthe second opening; and a control arrangement configured to selectivelyoperate the platform, the first closable barrier and the second closablebarrier between a first condition, in which the first closable barrieris in an open condition, the second closable barrier is in a closedcondition and the drone is landable on the platform, and a secondcondition, in which the platform and landed drone a receivable by thespace, the first closable barrier is movable to a closed condition, andthe second closable barrier is moveable to an open condition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, byreference to the accompanying figures, in which;

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a first example of a system forlanding and handling of drones showing a platform extending from abuilding leading to a closable barrier to receive a landing drone;

FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating the system with the platform thereofin a first outward landing condition with one of the closable barriersin an open condition;

FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating the system with the platform thereofin the outward landing condition;

FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating the system with the platform thereofin an inward landed condition;

FIG. 5 is a front sectional view illustrating a rail arrangement of theextendable and retractable landing platform;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating configurations of a buildingto which the system may be fitted;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are top views illustrating configurations or layouts ofthe drone landing and handling arrangement when fitted to or formed aspart of the building;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a second example of a systemfor landing and handling of drones being fittable to a portablebuilding;

FIG. 9 is a top view illustrating the portable building;

FIG. 10 is a front sectional view illustrating the portable building;

FIG. 11 is an end sectional view illustrating the portable building;

FIG. 12 is a side detail sectional view illustrating the arrangementbetween the pulley system, the platform and the retractable roof;

FIG. 13 is a top detail sectional view illustrating the arrangementbetween the pulley system, the platform and the retractable roof;

FIG. 14 is a simplified functional block diagram of a control system orarrangement of the system;

FIG. 15 is a simplified functional diagram illustrating an example of apassenger or freight transport application of the system to call, locateand direct drones; and

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate simplified flow diagrams that show examplemethod steps performed by the system during the landing and take-off ofdrones.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7B and FIGS. 8 to 13 there are shown twoexamples of a system 10, 110, respectively, for the landing and handlingof drones 1 (also known as autonomous flying vehicles or the like). Thefirst example of the system 10 is fittable to new or existing buildingsor structures 12, and the second example of the system 110 is fittableto or provided as part of a portable building or structure 112. Thedrones 1 may be freight or passenger drones 1, although the systems 10,110 are preferably adapted to handle the interaction of people anddrones 1. It is noted that the term drone used herein includes all andany forms of autonomous or semi-autonomous flying machines being fullyautonomous or being piloted.

Each example will be described in detail separately below, and likesequences of numerals such as 10, 110 or 12, 112 are used to denotesimilar parts. However, turning firstly to a general overview of thesystems 10, 110, each example includes generally similar functionalityand includes drone landing and handling arrangement 13, 113 and acontrol arrangement or system 205. The control arrangement or system 205for both building and portable systems 10, 110 is similar and areillustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 and the methods of operations includingexample landing and take-off methods 305, 405 are also similar and areillustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B.

The drone landing and handling arrangement 13, 113 includes one or morelanding stations 15, 115. Each landing station 15, 115 includes alanding space, zone or housing 14, 114 dimensioned to receive the drone1 in a landed state, a motive landing structure provided in the form ofa moveable platform 16, 116 movably receivable by the space 14, 114 onwhich the drone 1 is supportable, a first closable or moveable barrier17, 117 between an external environment and the drone 1 when landed, anda second closable or moveable barrier 18, 118 into the space 14, 114dimensioned to selectively allow the movement of a person between thedrone 1 and a waiting area or passenger zone 22, 122. The first andsecond closable barriers 17, 117, 18, 118 may partially or fully enclosethe space 14, 114.

It is noted that in some examples the motive landing structure providedin the form of the platform 16, 116 may include a fixed part orstructure and a movable part or structure on which the drone 1 issupportable to move the drone 1 into the space 14, 114. The movablepart, for example, may include conveying means supported above a fixedplatform or the moveable part may be the platform itself as shown in theexamples herein. Both examples are contemplated herein.

The control arrangement or system 205 is configured to selectivelyoperate the platform 16, 116, the first closable barrier 17, 117 andsecond closable barrier 18, 118 between a first condition, in which thefirst closable barrier 17, 117 is in an open condition, the secondclosable barrier 18, 118 is in a closed condition and the drone 1 islandable on the platform 16, 116, and a second condition, in which theplatform 16, 116 and the landed drone 1 are receivable by the space 14,114, the first closable barrier 17, 117 is movable to a closedcondition, and the second closable barrier 18, 118 is moveable to anopen condition.

The control arrangement or system 205 includes a controller 206 thatinterfaces and operatively communicates with a variety of sensors 207,actuators 209, the drone 1 and external computing devices 223. Thecontroller 206 is configured by software to perform one or more of thesteps as described herein such as those in FIGS. 16A and 16B.

The systems 10, 110 disclosed herein seek to provide an effectivesolution for the safe landing and take-off of passenger or freight hoverdrones in populated areas. For example, drones 1 may take-off from theportable drone landing station 115 of the portable building 112 in theouter areas of a city or on a building 112 roof top and then fly to theretractable landing platform 16 on the outside of a building 10.

In particular, once the drones 1 have landed and the enginesdeactivated, the drone 1 is either lowered into the portable dronelanding station 115 or horizontally retracted into the building station12 by the respective drone landing platforms 16, 116. This ensurespeople waiting to get onto the drone or collect freight are kept safeand separated from the space by the second closable barriers 18, 118until the landing platform 16, 116 is locked down into the finalposition.

FIRST EXAMPLE

Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 1 to 7 b, the first example ofthe system 10 relates to the system 10 fitted to a new or existingbuilding 12 such as a high-rise building or the like. The drone landingand handling arrangement 13 may include a plurality of landing stations15, a passenger waiting area or zone 22 and maintenance/storage zones24. The drone handling arrangement 13 may occupy part, a whole floor ormultiple floors of the building 12. The control system or arrangement205 may be located at the building or remote thereto.

Each one of the spaces 14 has an associated one of the platforms 16, oneof the first closable barriers 17 and one of the second closablebarriers 18. The platforms 16 are supported by a guide arrangement 34adapted to move the platform 16 between an inward and outward positionrelative to the space 14. Accordingly, the drone 1 may land on theplatform 16 when outwardly extended, and then be carried inwardly withinthe space 14 when the platform 16 is retracted.

Typically, the exterior retractable platforms 16 of each of the landingstations 15 retracts to a closed position after the drone has landed orbefore it has taken-off. The exterior retractable platform 16 allowspassengers to have safe access and egress to the drone 1 in controlledconditions within the space 14 with minimal weather impacts.

The guide arrangement 34 includes a roller system 33 having a set ofside rollers 35 on two sides and these rollers 35 move over extendabletracks 37 that allow it to extend and then retract back into thebuilding 12. Fixed inner wheels 39 inside the tracks 37 are supported byposts 41 that are anchored into the floor plate 59 of the building 12 asshown best in FIG. 5.

Main support beams 53 span across the underside of the landing platform16 to provide the primary connection to the roller system 33 and supportthe platform 16 substructure. The substructure then consists of a seriesof beams 55 that are connected into the main support beams 53 andcantilever out to the end of the platform 16.

The landing platform 16 has safety handrails 51 around all four sides toensure the safety of the passengers and people maintaining the platform16. Access to the plant maintenance/storage zones 24 is restricted, andwhen there is work being undertaken in the landing station 15, the areais shut down and will not allow any drone activity until completed. Thehandrails 51 provide a safe working platform if maintenance is needed onthe platform 16 when external barriers 38 are open. The handrails 51minimise aerodynamic effect on the drone 1 when landing on the platform16.

The platform 16 includes an actuator 209 in the form of winches 211 thatare used to move the platform 16 inwardly and outwardly. The actuators209 are controlled by the control system 205. The control system 205ensures the platform 16 is moved evenly over the roller system bycontrolling the winch speeds and measuring the distance of the platformfrom the winches to avoid the rollers jamming.

A sensor arrangement 207 is fitted to each landing station 15. Thesensor arrangement 207 may include a sound 217 and a motion sensor 219placed at each a corner of each landing station 15 to detect anymovement or noise as a secondary safety system. This will also detectany object, bird or unauthorised person in the landing area or space,and the control system 205 may be configured to automatically shut downthe station 15 such as by locking the second closable barriers 18, untilthe area is cleared and safe.

The space 14 includes a first opening 36 on an external face of thebuilding 12 that is closable via the first closable barrier 17. Theclosable barrier 17 is moveable via an actuator 225 that is operable bythe control system 205 to allow the landed drone 1 to be received by thespace 14 when the platform 16 is retracted. Each space 14 may have itsown closable barrier 17. The first closable barrier 17 may be a rollerdoor or the like, or may be retractable bollard posts.

The second closable barrier 18 is arranged to cover an opening 40 of thespace 14 to an internal area of building 12, such as the passengerwaiting area 22, or the maintenance/storage zones 24. The secondclosable barrier 18 may be an internal barrier door 42. The door 42 isslidably moveable via an actuator 227 that is operatable by the controlsystem 205 to allow a person to move between the drone 1 within thespace 14 and the internal area of building 12, such as the passengerwaiting area 22.

The second closable barrier 18, provided here in the form of theinternal barrier door 42, is selectively movable by the control system205 between an open and closed condition depending on the operatingstate of the drone 1. For example, if the drone is in a safe-state, suchas being landed on the platform 16, the platform 16 being retracted andthe first closable barrier 17 being in the closed condition, the secondclosable barrier 18 is moveable to an open condition to allow apassenger to enter and exit the space 14 and drone 1. Each space 14 mayhave its own second closable barrier 18 or pluralities thereof.

Some examples of the building 12 may include pluralities of the dronehandling and landing arrangements 13 on separate floors that eachinclude pluralities of the landing stations 15. In these situations, theuse of each of the spaces 14 such as the extension and retraction of theplatforms 16 is coordinated by the control system 205 as is furtherdetailed below to prevent, for example, a collision between a drone andone of the platforms 16.

The method of operation of the systems 10, 110 is further detailed belowwith reference to FIGS. 16A and 16B for take-off and landing operationsrespectively. At step 307, the control system 205 is notified of anapproaching drone and the drone 1 is designated to a particular landingstation 15. The control system 205 sends a location signal from a GPStransponder 221 of the platform 16 to the approaching drone 1 such thatthe drone 1 is able to identify a centre landing position on theplatform 16. It is noted that in notifying the drone 1, the controlsystem 205 is also monitoring and coordinating the condition of theother landing stations 15 such as the position of the platforms 16 toavoid, for example, a collision with a higher platform when the drone islanding on a lower platform.

The control system 205 may include a weather unit or station 215installed at or on the building 12 to measure the wind speed,turbulence, wind shear and other weather conditions that are criticalfor a drone 1 to land safely on the drone platform 16. Accordingly, atstep 309 the control system 205 conducts a landing condition check andweather check.

If the weather conditions are not suitable for a safe landing on thestation 15 the drone 1 will be notified in advance so it can make analternative landing at another landing station or return to the take-offstation. If the weather conditions are favourable, the station 15 isconfigured for landing including the first closable barrier 17 of thedesignated the landing station 15 being activated to open and the dronelanding platform 16 being moved via the winches 211 to an outwardlanding position extending outside of the building 12. The drone 1 thenlands on the platform 16. It is noted that the landing condition checkand weather check may further include a safety check using the sensors207 to confirm the platform 16 is free for use and clear of obstacles.

After the drone 1 has landed onto the platform 16, and the rotors of thedrone 1 have stopped, the drone 1 may notify the control system 205 thatit is not in operation. Accordingly, at step 313, the control system 205receives a landed signal from the drone 1 and performs its own crosscheck to confirm an off-state or “safe-state” of the drone. The controlsystem sensors 207 that may include sound 217 and/or motion sensors 219on each corner of the landing platform 16 also check that all the rotorshave stopped and it is safe to retract the drone platform 16 into thebuilding 10.

At step 315, the control system 215 then moves the platform 16 andlanding drone 1 into the landing space I4, The electric winches 211 pullthe landing platform 16 into the building via wire ropes 56 connected tothe platform 16. The control system 205 checks that each winch 211 isfully operational, before activating them to pull in the platformsimultaneously. The control system 205 then controls the winch speedsand progress of the platform 16. The force on each of the wire ropes 56are measured with load gauges to inform the control system 205 of anyout of balance load and the winch speeds are balanced accordingly toensure a safe passage of the platform into the space 14 of the landingstation 15.

At step 317, the control system 205 confirms that the platform 16 iswithin the building 12 and re-confirms the off-state or “safe-state”using the sensors 207. For example, as a secondary precaution, furthermotion sensors 217 may also be installed in each corner of the landingstation 15 to ensure that the drone 1 is not operational before allowingthe second closable barrier 18 provided in the form of the internalbarrier doors 42 to open. An unsafe state may include, for example, therotors still moving.

At step 319, once the landing platform is locked into position withinthe building 12, a signal is sent from the floor lock sensors so theexterior retractable barrier 38 can be closed. When the external barrier38 is locked in position, the internal barrier doors 42 can open. Thewaiting area 22 inside the building 12 allows people to wait in a safeenvironment until the drone 1 arrives. The secure plant and maintenanceroom 24 may have tools and equipment for general maintenance of thelanding station and minor repairs as needed, as well as electric batteryrecharge and change over stations.

For drone take-off, the reverse process similar to that described abovefor a drone landing is followed for a passenger boarding a drone totake-off or for freight to be transported from the drone landing station15. Accordingly, referring to FIG. 16B, at step 407, the control system205 may receive a signal indicating a departing drone and confirm, inthe case of a passenger drone, that the passenger drones doors locked.

At step 409, when a passenger has boarded the drone and the doors of thedrone are closed, the control system 205 may confirm via the motionsensors 219 within the landing station 15 to ensure there is no movementin the landing space 14 before the internal barrier 18 is closed, atstep 411. When freight has been dropped off for a freight carrier drone,the same applies that when no one is present in the landing space 14 theinternal barrier 18 are closed and secured.

A step 413, the station 15 is configured for take-off including openingthe first barrier 17 and moving or extending the platform 16 to thelanding position of platform 16. For the drone to take-off from thedrone platform 15, at step 415 the control system 205 performs a checkwith the weather station 215 to ensure the weather conditions aresuitable. If there are sudden wind gusts or weather parameters that arenot suitable, the drone landing platform 16 may be retraced and thefirst barrier 17 may be closed until it is deemed safe to resume. Atstep 417, the control system 205 provides the drone with a confirmationsignal to begin operation and the drone proceeds to take-off The controlsystem 205 may again used the sensors 207 to confirm the take-off of thedrone and the drone may also send a departed confirmation signal to thecontrol system 205.

The drone landing station 15 may allow people or freight to be deliveredsafely into major hubs that integrate residential, retail and commercialdevelopments together. The drone landing stations can be adapted to anynew or existing building that has sufficient vertical clearance betweenthe floor plates and horizontal clearance between the external columnsfor the retractable drone landing platform and door systems to beinstalled. In a new development or the refurbishment of an existingbuilding, this could provide affordable housing apartments on theopposite side of the drone landing stations 15.

SECOND EXAMPLE

The first example of the system 110 includes a portable building orstation structure 112 in which the drone landing and handlingarrangement 113 is configured to enable landing of the drone via theroof 150 of the portable building structure 112. In this example, thedrone landing and handling arrangement 113 includes two landing stations115.

Each landing station 115 includes a landing space or zone 114, anassociated one of the platforms 116, the first closable barrier 117 andthe second closable barrier 118. In this example, the first closablebarriers 117 is provided in the form of a retractable roof barrier 138and the second closable barrier 118 includes internal passenger barriers142 such as sliding doors. Between the two landing stations 115 isprovided a passenger waiting area or zone 122 and a maintenance orstorage area of zone 124. However, it is noted that in some examples thefirst closable barriers 117 may be omitted as the platforms 116 may beconfigured to close the roof 150 when elevated.

In this example, the platforms 116 move vertically between a firstlanding position proximate the roof 150 to a second lowered positionwithin the space 114. Like the first example, the control system 205coordinates and controls the movement of the retractable roof barrier138, platform 116 and internal passenger barriers 142.

The overall method of operation is similar to the first example,however, of course, the platform 116 raises and lowers in this secondexample. Accordingly, methods 305, 405 also generally apply to thisexample aside from the vertical movement of the platform 116, and themethod steps are not again repeated here in detail for brevities sake.

Accordingly, in general terms, in this example, the exterior retractableroof barrier 138 is activated by the control system 205 to open when thedesignated drone 1 approaches. Each landing platform 116 sends the GPStransponder signal to the approaching drone 1 of where to land on theplatform 16 so it is positioned in the centre.

The exterior retractable roof barrier 138 provides a secure barrier toprevent people or animals coming down into the station 115 and allowspeople to access and egress the drone 1 in controlled conditions withinthe landing station 115 without exposure to weather impacts (rain, hail,etc.)

Like the first example, a weather station 215 is installed on the top ofthe portable building 112 to measure the wind speed, turbulence, windshear and other weather conditions that are critical for a drone to landsafely. If the weather conditions are not suitable for a safe landing onthe station the drone will be notified in advance so it can make analternative landing at another landing station or return to the take-offstation.

If the weather conditions are favourable, the roof barrier 138 isretracted and the drone landing platform 116 is moved upward to the roofposition. The building 112 includes actuators 209 in the form ofelectric winches 211 at each of the four corners of each landing station115 that form part of an elevation arrangement 170.

The elevation arrangement 170 further includes a wire rope and pulleysystem 172 that is coupled to the electric winches 211 to lift and lowerthe landing platform up and down to the roof 150. The control system 205in the plant room checks that each winch 211 is fully operational,before activating them to lift-up the platform simultaneously. Alevelling device may be placed on the platform 116 and notifies thecontrol system if the platform 116 is not horizontal. The control system205 then controls the winch speeds and progress of each corner to ensurethe platform 116 is stable and horizontal. The force on each of the fourwire ropes are measured with load gauges to inform the control system205 of any out of balance load and the winch speeds are balancedaccordingly to ensure a safe decent of the platform.

The roof top 150 of the building 116 includes safety handrails 151around all four sides to ensure the safety of the maintainers on theroof of the station 115. Access to the roof 150 is only via the plantmaintenance room 124, and when the roof access hatch is open the station115 is automatically shut down by the control system 205 (such as by ahatch sensor) and will not allow any drone activity until completed.Motion sensors 219 and/or sound sensors 217 are also placed at eachcorner of the landing station roof 150 to detect any movement as asecondary safety system. This will also detect any animal orunauthorised person on the roof 150 and will automatically shut down thestation until the area is cleared and safe.

After the drone 1 has landed onto the platform 116, and the rotors havestopped, the drone 1 send a signal to the control system 205 that it isnot in operation. The motion sensors 219 and/or sound sensors 217 oneach corner of each landing platform also check that all the rotors havestopped and it is safe to lower the drone 1 platform 16 to the loweredfloor position.

The control system 205 then coordinates the operation of the electricwinches 211 at each of the four corners of the landing station floor,and then lowers the landing platform 116 from the roof level to thefloor level via the wire rope and pulley system 172. The control system205 may be configured to check that each winch 211 is fully operational,before activating them to lift-up the platform 116 simultaneously.

Once the landing platform 116 is locked into the floor position, asignal is sent from the floor lock sensors so the two electric poweredroof winches can pull out close the external roof barrier 138 to coverthe landing platform 116 and space 114. When the roof barrier 138 islocked in position, the internal passenger barriers 142 may open. As asecondary precaution, further sensors 207 such as motion sensors may beinstalled in each corner of the landing station 115 to ensure that thedrone 1 is not operational before allowing the internal passengerbarriers 142 to open.

The waiting area or zone 122 inside the portable building 112 allowspeople to be sheltered from the weather until the drone 1 arrives. Thedrones 1 could be ordered from an external computing device 223 such asa smartphone and be allocated to the user, like organising a car pickupfrom a ride sharing application, such as is shown in FIG. 15. The secureplant and maintenance room 124 may have tools and equipment for generalmaintenance of the landing station and minor repairs as needed as well,as electric battery recharge and change over stations.

The landing zones or space 114 within the station 115 may be designedwith natural ventilation louvres 161 around the sides to reduce the needfor air-conditioning. Rain that falls into the landing zones 114 duringtake-off and landing would be discharged outside the building with asimple drainage system at floor level. For drone take-off, the reverseprocess to that described above for a drone landing is followed for apassenger boarding a drone to take-off or for freight to be transportedfrom the drone landing station. When a passenger has boarded the droneand the doors are closed a signal is sent to the control system 205 thatthe passenger safety doors 142 can close. The motion sensors 219 withinthe landing station 115 ensure there is no movement in the landing areabefore the Passenger Safety Doors are closed. When freight has beendropped off for a freight carrier drone, the same applies that whenno-one is present in the landing platform 116 area the passenger safetydoors are closed and secured.

For the drone to take-off from the elevated drone platform 116, a finalcheck is undertaken with the weather station 215 to ensure the weatherconditions are suitable. If there are sudden wind gusts or weatherparameters that are not suitable, the drone landing platform will belowered into position and the roof barrier 138 is closed until it isdeemed safe to resume.

The portable building 112 including the landing stations 115 areenvisaged to be cost effectively built and commissioned in factoryconditions to allow mass production. The dimensions of the stations willbe appropriate to the size of the passenger or freight drone being used.Larger stations can be transported on road or rail transport to thepopulated areas and lifted off by crane. For smaller stations or indifficult to access areas, the stations could be transported and loweredfrom a helicopter or large drone.

The portable building 112 may be positioned as frequently as needed tosuit the demand and popular drone flight routes. Low voltage powersupply would be needed at each station to operate the exteriorretractable roof doors, interior safety doors and lighting. Solar roofpanels/solar windows can be used to provide all/some of the powerrequirements.

The portable building 112 is preferably made of lightweight materialssuch as aluminium, to reduce weight for air transport if needed and thiswould reduce the whole of life operations and maintenance requirements.The portable building 112 would be preferably secured to the ground fromwind loads with screw anchors or similar systems. Alternatively,concrete footings or above ground mass concrete support blocks couldalso be used.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless thecontext requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as“comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusionof a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not theexclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any known matter or any priorpublication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment oradmission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publicationforms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which thisspecification relates.

While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will beunderstood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of thefeatures disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in theart without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed orevident from the disclosure provided herein.

1. A system for landing a drone, the system including: a moveableplatform on which the drone is supportable in a landed state; a spacedimensioned to receive the platform and drone in the landed state, afirst closable barrier arranged between the drone in the landed stateand an external environment; a second closable barrier arranged betweenthe drone in the landed state and a passenger zone adjacent the space;and a control arrangement configured to selectively operate theplatform, the first closable barrier and the second closable barrierbetween: a first condition, in which the first closable barrier is in anopen condition, the second closable barrier is in a closed condition andthe drone is landable on the platform, and a second condition, in whichthe platform and drone in the landed state are receivable by the space,the first closable barrier is movable to a closed condition, and thesecond closable barrier is moveable to an open condition.
 2. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the control arrangement is adapted todetermine an operating state of the drone in the second condition beingin one of a safe and a non-safe state, and inhibit operation of thesecond closable barrier in the non-safe state.
 3. The system accordingto claim 1, wherein the control arrangement is adapted to determine anoperating state of the drone in the first condition being in one of asafe and a non-safe state, and inhibit movement of the platform towithin the space in a non-safe state.
 4. The system according to claim2, wherein the control arrangement includes at least one of a sensor anda communication link with the drone to determine the operating state ofthe drone.
 5. The system according to claim 2, wherein the platformincludes at least one sensor adapted to provide information to enablethe control arrangement to determine the operating state of the drone.6. The system according to claim 2, wherein the safe state includes atleast one of the drone body and rotors of the drone ceasing movement. 7.The system according to claim 1, wherein the control arrangement isadapted identify an approaching drone, and move the platform, the firstclosable barrier and the second closable barrier to the first condition.8. The system according to claim 1, wherein in the second condition, thecontrol arrangement is configured to move the first closable barrier tothe closed condition.
 9. The system according to claim 1, wherein thesystem includes: a first opening between the external environment andthe space, and wherein the first closable barrier is located at thefirst opening; and a second opening between the space and the passengerzone, and wherein the second closable barrier is located at the secondopening.
 10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the first andsecond closable barriers are arranged to substantially cover therespective first and second openings of the space in respective closedconditions.
 11. The system according to claim 9, wherein the controlarrangement includes actuators coupled to each of the first and secondclosable barriers.
 12. The system according to claim 1, wherein thesystem includes pluralities of spaces, first and second closablebarriers and platforms, and wherein the control arrangement isconfigured to coordinate the movement of the pluralities of the firstand second closable barriers and the platforms so as to allow operationof pluralities of drones to each of the pluralities of the spaces. 13.The system according to claim 1, wherein the platform is adapted tocarry the drone into the space when being moved between the firstcondition and the second condition.
 14. The system according to claim 1,wherein the platform is adapted to convey the drone into the space whenbeing moved between the first condition and the second condition. 15.The system according to claim 1, wherein the platform is adapted toextend and retract relative to the space when being moved between thefirst condition and the second condition.
 16. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the platform is adapted to move upwardly and downwardlyrelative to the space when being moved between the first condition andthe second condition.
 17. The system according to claim 1, wherein thepassenger zone is at least partially enclosed.
 18. The system accordingto claim 1, wherein the platform at least one of carries and providesthe first closable barrier.
 19. The system according to claim 1, whereinthe drone is a passenger or freight drone.
 20. A structure including asystem as defined in claim
 1. 21-40. (canceled)